Surgical retractor having clamping mechanism

ABSTRACT

A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to retractor systems for use duringinvasive surgical medical procedures.

During surgical medical procedures, a surgeon will typically make anincision in a patient to access the site of interest for the particularsurgical procedure. To maintain clear access to the site of interest, asurgical retractor system is typically utilized. A surgical retractorsystem typically consists of a rail clamp, a frame connected to the railclamp by a universal connecting joint mechanism, and retractor bladesthat are connected to the frame by additional universal connecting jointmechanisms. The rail clamp is commonly secured to an operating table andprovides a fixed and sturdy support for the frame and the retractorblades. Each of the components in a typical surgical retractor system isconventionally made of stainless steel. The reason that stainless steelis generally used is that stainless steel is easily sterilized. As wouldbe expected, before any use of the surgical retractor system can be madeduring a surgical procedure, the system must be thoroughly sterilizedfor the protection of the patient.

Surgical retractor systems have been made of other materials in thepast, such as aluminum and titanium. The common characteristic of all ofthese materials is that they are highly durable and easily sterilized.That is, these materials are not porous and easily lend themselves totypical sterilization procedures used in modern day hospitals.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a surgicalretractor system that can be used confidently in surgical procedures.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a universal clampingmechanism for a surgical retractor system.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a clamping mechanismthat is strong against wear caused by continual use of the clampingmechanism over time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the invention are achieved in a surgicalretractor system which includes at least one clamp. The surgicalretractor system may include a cam head having a flat latching surface,a tapered area washer configured to receive a central shaft and applyforce to the at least one clamp, a locking pin configured to connect thecentral shaft to the cam head, and/or an offset applied to a passageused to clamp rods in the surgical retractor system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical surgical retractor system.

FIG. 2 is an elevated view of a rail clamp with a universal clampingmechanism of the present invention and a cross bar for insertion intothe insulated universal clamping mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the universal clamping mechanism of thepresent invention with an insulating sleeve.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the universal clamping mechanism of FIG. 3 andin its open position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the universal clamping mechanism of FIG. 3 andin its closed position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the cam head of the clamping mechanism of FIG.3.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are views of a washer and a clamp of the clampingmechanism of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the washer of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a washer of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the clamping mechanism of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of the clamping mechanism of FIG.9 along lines A-A.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a shaft of clamping mechanism of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of some components of the clamping mechanismof FIG. 3

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of some components of the clamping mechanismof FIG. 3

FIG. 15 is a side view of a second embodiment of a universal clampingmechanism.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a third embodiment of a universal clampingmechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, spatially orienting terms areused such as “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and the like. Itis to be understood that these terms are used for convenience ofdescription of the preferred embodiments by reference to the drawings.These terms do not necessarily describe the absolute location in space,such as left, right, upward, downward, etc., that any part must assume.

As shown in FIG. 1, a surgical retraction system 10 includes anadjustable rail clamp 12 which is securable to a conventional surgicaltable 16. A second adjustable rail clamp (not shown) may be secured tothe opposite side of the surgical table for increased stability ifdesired or needed. A post 17 extends vertically from clamp 12 to providesupport for a cross bar 18 which in turn provides support for a pair ofextension arms 19, 20. Cross bar 18 is secured to post 17 by amulti-directional joint clamp 21. Extension arms 19, 20 are respectivelysecured to cross bar 18 by a pair of multi-directional joint clamps 22,24. Additional joint clamps 26, 28 are disposed along extension arms 19,20 for rigidly securing any number of retractor blades 34, 36 toextension arms 19, 20. As will suggest itself, extension arm 19 may besecured directly to post 17 by a joint clamp, thus in many circumstanceseliminating the need for cross bar 18.

The purpose of this frame is to securely connect the retractor blades34, 36 to the rail clamp 12 to eliminate unwanted relative movementbetween the retractor blades 34, 36 and the surgical table 16, this maybe accomplished by connecting the retractor blades to the cross bar 18directly or through extension arms 19, 20, or, as already noted, byconnecting extension arms 19, 20 directly to the rail clamp.

Each retractor blade 34, 36 includes a blade portion 42 and a retractorarm 44. Blade portion 42 extends downwardly into the incision 46 made bythe surgeon. Blade portion 42 is used to retract anatomy to make theincision 46 accessible to the surgeon.

FIG. 2 is an elevated view of the rail clamp 12 and cross bar 18. Ofcourse, as noted above, extension arm 19 or 20 may be connected directlyto adjustable rail clamp 12. The rail clamp includes a clamp 50 that maybe secured to surgical table 16 (FIG. 1). This may be a conventionalclamp as presently used in the industry and provides for a secureattachment of the adjustable rail clamp 12 to the surgical table 16.Multi-directional joint clamp 21 is shown at the upper most extremity ofpost 17. This position of the multi-directional joint clamp 21 enablesthe user to locate cross bar 18 at a height sufficient for the surgicalretractor system 10 (FIG. 1) to be used during surgical procedures. FIG.2 further shows joint clamps 22, 24 in their position on cross bar 18.Clamps 22 and 24 may be identical to each other or different dependingon the intended use of each of those clamps. Additionally, these jointclamps 22, 24 may each be the same as or different to themulti-directional joint clamp 21 on post 17.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 14, multi-directional joint clamp 21 includesa first clamp 52 and a second clamp 54. Joint clamp 21 includes acentral shaft 56 as well as a cam lever 58 for bringing first clamp 52and second clamp 54 into a clamping position or into an unclampingposition. Joint clamp 21 may also include a washer 57 positioned betweenthe cam lever 58 and the first clamp 52.

The first clamp 52 may include a passage 70, which is intended toaccommodate, for example, post 17 of rail clamp 12 (FIG. 2). Similarly,the second clamp 54 may include a passage 72. Passage 72 is intended toaccommodate, for example, cross bar 18 (FIG. 2). This type of jointclamp is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,087 and 6,033,363,which are incorporated herein by reference.

The first cylindrical passage 70 of the first clamp 52 is defined by abroken cylindrical surface 71. The cylindrical surface 71 is brokenalong two parallel legs 73, 74 which run the axial length of the surface71 to define a gap 75. Legs 73, 74 are movable with respect to oneanother in order to shorten the gap 75 and thus constrict the areacircumscribed by cylindrical surface 71. Each leg 73, 74 defines arespective planar surface 76, 77. Each planar surface 76, 77 isgenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical passage 70.The application of a clamping forces directs forces against an uppersurface 78 a and a lower surface 78 b of the first clamp 52 in adirection toward the gap 75 and parallel to the longitudinal axis ofshaft 56 and serves to move planar surfaces 76, 77 toward each otherconstricting the area within cylindrical passage 70.

Similarly, the second cylindrical passage 72 of the second clamp 54 isdefined by a broken cylindrical surface 80. The cylindrical surface 80is broken along two parallel legs 82, 84 which run the axial length ofthe surface 80 to define a gap 86. Legs 82, 84 are movable with respectto one another in order to shorten the gap 86 and thus constrict thearea circumscribed by cylindrical surface 80. Each legs 82, 84 defines arespective planar surface 90, 92. Each planar surface 90, 92 isgenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical passage 80.The application of a clamping force directs forces against an uppersurface 94 a and a lower surface 94 b of the second clamp 54 in adirection toward the gap 86 and parallel to the longitudinal axis ofshaft 56 and serves to move planar surfaces 90, 92 toward each otherconstricting the area within cylindrical passage 72.

The clamp 52, 54 further include locking teeth. In particular, a firstset of locking teeth 99 b is disposed on the lower surface 78 b of firstclamp 52 and a second set of locking teeth 99 a is disposed on the uppersurface 94 a of second clamp member 54. The sets of locking teeth 99 a,99 b engage each other when clamp members 52, 54 are compressed togetherby cam lever 58, thereby fixing the positions of clamps 52, 54 relativeto one another.

The cam lever 58 includes a cylindrical shaped handle 81 having a distalend 83 connected to a cam head 85. Cam head 85 is pivotally mounted tocentral shaft 56 such that rotation of the cam lever 58 about a pivotaxis 88 brings first clamp 52 and second clamp 54 into clampingpositions and unclamping positions. The shaft 56 may be cylindrical incross section and may extend through the cylindrical apertures 112, 116in clamp members 52, 54.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an outer edge 100 of the cam head 85 iseccentric, i.e. multiply curved, such that the distance D between thepivot axis 88 and the upper surface 91 of the washer 57 increases as thecam lever 58 is moved from its open position (e.g., FIG. 4) towards itsclosed position (e.g., FIG. 5). Hence, movement of cam lever 58 towardsits closed position draws shaft 56 upwardly through cylindricalapertures 112, 116, compressing clamp members 52, 54 between the outeredge 100 of the cam head 85 and a stop, such as the nut 113, secured tothe distal end of shaft 56. Compression of the resilient clamp members52, 54 initially causes the sets locking teeth 99 a, 99 b to engage eachother, thereby fixing the positions of the clamp members 52, 54 relativeto each other. Further compression of clamp members 52, 54 constrictsthe area circumscribed by cylindrical passages 70, 72 to secure clamps52, 54 to the arms passing through cylindrical passages 70, 72.

Rotation of cam lever 58 towards its open position moves shaft 56downwardly through cylindrical apertures 112, 116. Due to the downwardmovement of shaft 56, the nut 113 may be urged away from aperture 116,thus reducing or removing a clamping force applied to resilient clamps52, 53. At the open position, clamps 52, 54 are loosely held on shaft56, and may be rotated relative to one another about shaft 56. The nut113 may prevent clamps 52, 54 from being removed for the shaft 56. Theremoved or reduced compression on clamps 52, 54 may cause cylindricalpassages 70, 72 to expand their diameter, allowing clamps 52, 54 to bemoved relative to posts positioned in cylindrical passages 70, 72. Theopen position may also allow the various clamp components to be accessedfor cleaning.

FIG. 4 shows the two clamps 52, 54 in their unclamped positions. Camlever 58 is rotated upwardly to an open position for releasing oruntightening of clamps 52, 54. In this open position, a release surface87 of cam head 85 is moved or rotated to a position above washer 57providing little or no contact between cam head 85 and washer 57 andreducing the distance D between the pivot axis 88 and the upper surface91 of the washer 57. This removes the force on clamps 52, 54 allowingthem to expand and open their respective passages 70, 72 to a fullextent.

FIG. 5 shows the two clamps 52, 54 in their clamped positions. Cam lever58 is rotated downwardly to a closed position for tightening of clamp52, 54. In this closed position, release surface 87 is rotated away fromwasher 57 and a flat planar surface 89 of cam head 85 engages washer 57.To enter this closed position, a clamping force is applied to clamps 52,54 which constricts passages 70, 72.

Planar surface 89 serves to lock handle 81 into position. Becausesurface 89 is a flat planar surface and contacts the flat planar topsurface 91 of the washer 57, the reverse movement of cam lever 58 intoan open position requires more force making it difficult for cam head 85to unintentionally loosen and rotate away from its closed position ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a side view of cam head 85 illustrating the surfaces 87, 89.Surfaces 87, 89 extend across the bottom of cam head 85. Surfaces 87, 89are positioned on the cam head relative to axis 88 so as to engage theflat top surface 91 (FIG. 5) of washer 57 when the cam lever 58 ispivoted.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C and FIG. 8, washer 57 is generally cylindricalin shape, and has a cone-like configured shape at its bottom. Washer 57includes an outer cylindrical surface 101 and a truncated cone surface103. An aperture 105 extends fully through the washer terminating at theend of cone surface 103. Aperture 105 has a diameter to receive centralshaft 56 (FIG. 4) which is cylindrical in shape.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 10 and 11, central shaft 56 extends into cam head85 and is rotatably secured in place by a cam pivot pin 135. This allowspivoting of cam lever 58 into its open position (FIG. 4) and into itsclosed position (FIG. 5).

Referring again to FIGS. 7A-7C, clamp 52 has a conically shaped aperture111 to receive and mate with the conical surface 103 of washer 57. Asshown in FIG. 7C, conical aperture 111 meets with cylindrical aperture112 which has a diameter to receive central shaft 56. Similarly, clamp54 has a conically shaped aperture 114 to receive and mate with theconical surface 119 of nut 113. See, FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14,conical aperture 114 meets with cylindrical aperture 116 which has adiameter to receive central shaft 56.

As shown in FIG. 4, a nut 113 is threadedly secured onto the distal endof shaft 56. Threads 115 are shown in FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 9, nut113 is generally cylindrical in shape, having a cone-like configuredshape at its top. Nut 113 includes a cylindrical surface 117 and atruncated cone surface 119. An aperture 121 extends fully through nut113 terminating at the end of conical surface 119. Aperture 121 has adiameter to receive central shaft 56 and has threads 122 to mate withthreads 115 on shaft 56 (FIG. 12).

The nut 113 may be welded to the shaft 56 after being threadedly securedto the distal end of the shaft 56. Such welding may prevent furtherrotation of the nut 113 in relation to the shaft 56 about a longitudinalaxis of the shaft 56, but may permit rotation of the nut 113 withrespect the clamps 52, 54 about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 56.Because nut 113 is rounded, the shaft 56 with welded nut 113 may berotated 360°, even when nut 113 is partially drawn into aperture 116.This may permit the surgeon to rotate handle 81 to a convenientposition, even after clamps 52, 54 have been compressed.

Prior to welding, the nut 113 may be rotated in one direction (e.g.,clockwise) to tighten the nut 113 and increase a clamping force appliedby the clamps 52, 54 and may be rotated in the opposite direction (e.g.counter-clockwise) to loosen the nut 113 and decrease the clamping forceapplied by the clamps 52, 54. In this manner, the clamping force of theclamps 52, 54 may be calibrated to a desired force. After obtaining thedesired, calibrated clamping force, the nut 113 may be welded to ensurethe nut 113 does not rotate further and the desired, clamping force ismaintained.

Referring again to FIG. 3, cam head 85 is shaped to include twoextending side members 123, 125 forming an interposed channel 127.Channel 127 is defined by two planar side surfaces 129, 131 (FIG. 13) ofthe side members 123, 125. Each side member includes a cylindricalaperture 133 (FIG. 3) which are aligned along their axis. A cam pin 135(FIG. 3) passes through cylindrical apertures 133. Cam pin 135 is heldfixed relative to cam head 85.

As shown in FIG. 12, a top end 137 of the shaft 56 is generally planarin shape as best seen in FIG. 13, for movement within channel 127. Topend 137 (FIG. 12) includes a cylindrical aperture 139 for receiving campin 135 (FIG. 11) of cam head 85. Top end 137 rotates about cam pin 135.FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the shaft 56 being rotatably connected to campin 135.

As shown in FIG. 12, shaft 56 includes an additional cylindricalaperture 141 which passes through top end 137. Aperture 141 is locatedorthogonal to aperture 139, and aperture 141 is positioned to intersectwith aperture 139, as shown in FIG. 12. Aperture 141 is sized to receivea lock pin 143, as shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 13, the lever 58 is assembled, by initiallypositioning the top end 137 of shaft 56 into channel 127 of cam head 85.Cam pin 135 is next passed through apertures 133 (FIG. 3) in each ofside members 123, 125 of the cam head and into aperture 139 (FIG. 12) ofthe shaft head. Finally, lock pin 143 (FIG. 13) is passed throughaperture 141 (FIG. 12) located in the top end of shaft 56 and is passedthrough an aperture 145 in cam pin 135.

Thus, shaft 56 is held in position by both the aperture 139 in the shaftas well as the lock pin 143. Lock pin 143 secures the shaft 56 to thecam pin 135, and thus increases the wear surface between shaft 56 andthe cam head 85.

Referring to FIG. 14, hole passages 70, 72 of the two clamps 52, 54 areshaped in an offset manner. Particularly, the wall thickness at 151above each of hole passages 70, 72 and the wall thickness at 153 beloweach of hole passages 70, 72 is set at 0.070 inches. Whereas, the wallthickness at 155 between the hole and the distal end of the respectiveclamps is 0.100 inches. This, slight offset of the hole position servesto prevent the collapse of the hole due to continued use of the clampwithout rods located in the hole passages 70, 72, e.g., without aretractor arm 44 (FIG. 1) or extension arms 19, 20 or cross bar 18 orpost 17, within hole passages 70, 72.

As shown in FIG. 15, a second multi-directional joint clamp 211 includesa first clamp 213 and a second clamp 215. Joint clamp 211 includes acentral shaft 217 as well as a turn-handle 219 for bringing first clamp213 and second clamp 215 into a clamping position or into an unclampingposition. Central shaft 217 includes a threaded portion 221 that mateswith a second threaded portion (not shown) formed in the turn-handle219. As the turn-handle 219 is rotated, shaft 217 is drawn upwardly intothe turn-handle 219 moving the two clamps 213, 215 together in order toperform the clamping function.

First clamp 213 includes a passage 221 which is intended to accommodate,for example, post 17 of rail clamp 12 (FIG. 2). Similarly, second clamp215 includes a passage 223. Passage 223 is intended to accommodate, forexample, cross bar 18 (FIG. 2). Passages 221, 223 may be shaped in anoffset manner similar to passages 70, 72 as described above in relationto FIG. 14.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a third multi-directional joint clamp 321 isshown. The third multi-directional joint clamp 321 may be implemented ina manner similar to the multi-directional joint clamp 21 of FIGS. 3-14.However, the joint clamp 321 of FIG. 16 uses a different type of stopfor the central shaft. In particular, the joint clamp 321 may include acentral shaft 356 with an integral or fixed head 390 at its distal endinstead of a nut. The head 390 may engage a shim 392, which may adjust adistance D2 between a top surface 391 of the washer 357 and a topsurface 394 of the integral head 390. A thicker shim 392 increases thedistance D2 and thereby increases the pressure load placed on the clamps352, 354 by the cam lever 358 when in a clamping position since thelength of the shaft 356 remains unchanged. Conversely, a thinner shim392 decreases the distance D2 and thereby decreases the pressure loadplaced on the clamps 352, 354. Thus, a desired pressure load may beobtained by selecting a shim 392 having an appropriate thickness. Themulti-directional joint clamp 21 of FIGS. 3-14 may also adjust apressure load applied by its cam lever 58. However, themulti-directional joint clamp 21 may achieve such result by tighteningor loosening the nut 113 instead of or in addition to using a shim 392.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it willbe understood that the invention is not limited thereto sincemodifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly inlight of the foregoing teaching. It is, therefore, the appended claimswhich define the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamping apparatus for use in a surgicalretractor, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a first end and asecond end; a first clamp carried by the shaft, the first clampcomprising a first passage having a first surface broken by two legs ofthe first clamp that are separated by a first gap; a second clampcarried by the shaft, the second clamp comprising a second passagehaving a second surface broken by two legs of the second clamp that areseparated by the second gap; and a cam lever comprising a cam headpivotally attached to the first end of the shaft for rotation about apivot axis perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, the cam head havingan eccentric outer surface that results in a distance between the pivotaxis and an upper surface of the first clamp being greater when the camlever is rotated about the pivot axis to a clamping position than whenthe cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a non-clampingposition, wherein the eccentric outer surface of the cam head comprisesa flat, planar surface that compresses an upper end of the first clampwhen the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to the clampingposition.
 2. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first clampis rotatable about an axis of the shaft relative to the second clamp. 3.The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end of the shaftcomprises threads and the clamping apparatus further comprises a nutthreadedly secured to the shaft and engages a lower surface of thesecond clamp.
 4. The clamping apparatus of claim 3, wherein the secondclamp comprises a conical aperture that mates with a conical surface ofthe nut.
 5. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nut is weldedto the shaft.
 6. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein the secondend of the shaft comprises an integrated head and the clamping apparatusfurther comprises a washer and a shim between a lower surface of thesecond clamp and the integrated head.
 7. The clamping apparatus of claim6, wherein the lower surface of the second clamp has a conical aperturethat mates with a conical surface of the washer.
 8. The clampingapparatus of claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the first clampcomprises teeth that engage teeth of an upper surface of the secondclamp.
 9. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a washerbetween the cam head and an upper surface of the first clamp.
 10. Theclamping apparatus of claim 9, wherein the upper surface of the firstclamp has a conical aperture that mates with a conical surface of thewasher.
 11. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the cam head hasa pivot pin aperture that passes through opposite sides of the cam headalong the pivot axis; the first end of the shaft has a pivot pinaperture that passes through opposite sides of the first end of theshaft; and the clamping apparatus further comprises a pivot pin thatpasses through the pivot pin apertures of the cam head and the first endof the shaft to pivotably couple the cam head to the shaft.
 12. Theclamping apparatus of claim 11, wherein: the pivot pin comprises alocking pin aperture orthogonal to the pivot axis; the first end of theshaft further comprises a locking pin aperture that intersect the pivotpin aperture of the first end of the shaft; and the clamping apparatusfurther comprises a locking pin that passes through the locking pinaperture of the pivot pin and the first end of the shaft.
 13. Theclamping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a washer between thecam head and an upper surface of the first clamp, wherein the flatsurface of the cam head engages a flat upper surface of the washer whenthe cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to the clamping position.14. The clamping apparatus of claim 13, wherein the upper surface of thefirst clamp has a conical aperture that mates with a conical surface ofthe washer.
 15. A clamping apparatus for use in a surgical retractor,the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a first end and a second end; afirst clamp carried by the shaft, the first clamp comprising a firstpassage having a first surface broken by two legs of the first clampthat are separated by a first gap; a second clamp carried by the shaft,the second clamp comprising a second passage having a second surfacebroken by two legs of the second clamp that are separated by the secondgap; and a cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached to thefirst end of the shaft for rotation about a pivot axis perpendicular tothe axis of the shaft, the cam head having an eccentric outer surfacethat results in a distance between the pivot axis and an upper surfaceof the first clamp being greater when the cam lever is rotated about thepivot axis to a clamping position than when the cam lever is rotatedabout the pivot axis to a non-clamping position; and a washer betweenthe cam head and an upper surface of the first clamp; wherein the camhead engages a flat upper surface of the washer when the cam lever isrotated about the pivot axis to the clamping position, and wherein theupper surface of the first clamp has a conical aperture that mates witha conical surface of the washer.
 16. The clamping apparatus of claim 15,wherein: the cam head has a pivot pin aperture that passes throughopposite sides of the cam head along the pivot axis; the first end ofthe shaft has a pivot pin aperture that passes through opposite sides ofthe first end of the shaft; and the clamping apparatus further comprisesa pivot pin that passes through the pivot pin apertures of the cam headand the first end of the shaft to pivotably couple the cam head to theshaft.
 17. The clamping apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the pivot pincomprises a locking pin aperture orthogonal to the pivot axis; the firstend of the shaft further comprises a locking pin aperture that intersectthe pivot pin aperture of the first end of the shaft; and the clampingapparatus further comprises a locking pin that passes through thelocking pin aperture of the pivot pin and the first end of the shaft.18. The clamping apparatus of claim 17, wherein the eccentric outersurface of the cam head comprises a flat, planar surface that engagesthe flat upper surface of the washer when the cam lever is rotated aboutthe pivot axis to the clamping position.